Erasmus experience in Braga, Portugal

Why did you decide to go to Braga, Portugal?

I decided to go in Braga because i was interested in knowing the Portuguese culture and visit Portugal. In addition, I was interested in studying Portuguese, since, with the unstoppable development of Brazil, I believe that in the next decade this language will increase its importance.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive as help?

My ERASMUS scholarship lasted 10 months and the monthly amount paid was around 360 euros, to which were added other items (such as the reimbursement of the round trip).

How is the university environment in Braga?

It's a beautiful environment, the university is very new and the students are very sociable and help a lot the integration of foreign students both in academic life and in everyday social life.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Braga to other students?

Of course, the only flaw I found is a low level of education in general of Portuguese students, at least below the standards I am used to in my university.

How is the food of the country?

The food is excellent and if you like meat (and especially pork) and cod, you are in paradise. However, it is a very varied and very tasty cuisine.

How did you find accommodation?

I found an apartment looking for among the thousand announcements that are hung on the walls of all the buildings near the University. There are so many offers, the only problem is if you are going to stay only 6 months the owners usually prefer to rent the rooms for the school year.

How much do rentals cost on average? How are prices in general?

The cost of rents in general in Braga is around 150 euros a month for the room (excluding expenses). Even if someone may seem expensive, in truth life in Portugal costs very little and this is also reflected in the bills that do not weigh much on the budget.

How's the language? Did you attend some courses at the university?

I attended the Portuguese EILC course at the host university, but it is not a difficult language to understand for students coming from neo-Latin speaking countries.

What is the cheapest way to get to Braga from your city?

The cheapest and fastest way to travel is obviously the airplane.

Where do you recommend going out in the evening in Braga?

TI reccomend to go dancing, there is the Sardinha Biba and if you want to drink only a beer with friends there is a very small club in the center called Subura.

And to eat in Braga? What are your favorite clubs?

I recommend the Sabor de Fruta for dinner, a really cheap university restaurant, but where the dishes prepared are really excellent and plentiful.

And what advice do you visit?

In Braga to see there are a thousand churches (they call it the "city of churches") and the main attraction is in fact the Monte do Bom Jesus, it is a hill that overlooks the city where you can enjoy fantastic views and on which there is a very famous church. For the rest, I advise you to move and travel throughout Portugal, as there are so many beautiful places.

Do you have any advice for future Braga students?

I recommend traveling, Portugal is full of little surprises hidden in unthinkable places, small villages overlooking the sea or hidden beaches in the southern national parks.